Electron transfer and CO addition to polynitrido cobalt carbonyl clusters: parallel pathways for conversion of the [Co10N2(CO)19]4- anion to the novel [Co11N2(CO)21]3- anion.

The redox aptitude of the dinitrido anion [Co10N2(CO)19]4- has been tested from both chemical and electrochemical points of view, together with its reactivity toward CO that induces disproportionation. In any case, through a remarkable overlapping of intermediate steps, the new anion [Co11N2(CO)21]3- (4) is eventually obtained. A detailed study of the pathways to 4 allowed the identification of three labile intermediates by their characteristic IR spectra as well as their electrochemical and paramagnetic properties. The unprecedented structure of trianion 4 has been studied in details in two different crystalline salts.